Category Archives: Spoonbill

Wildlife, Birds, Alligator, Swamp, Marsh, Spoonbill, What I Saw

A Marsh Scene, Several Things Happening

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It’s always a pleasant surprise when you discover the scene you photographed has all kinds of things going on.

A Marsh Scene, Several Things Happening
A Marsh Scene, Several Things Happening

The initial idea was to shoot the big Alligator on this small hammock. However as I began to get the shot, a few Spoonbills made their way in.

A Marsh Scene, Several Things Happening
A Marsh Scene, Several Things Happening

While they moved around the big Alligator I half expected them to suddenly fly off. They didn’t but I took a few more shots anyway.

A Marsh Scene, Several Things Happening
A Marsh Scene, Several Things Happening

But now, after I processed the image, a third scene was playing out.

Another set of eyes watching me on the edge of the marsh.

If you don’t see them click the image above and look at the large Alligators back, something peeking over the top.

 

 

Birds, Egret, Marsh, Spoonbill, Swamp, Wildlife

Mixing Colors, Snowy And Spoonbill

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When out I rarely use a monopod, almost never a tripod. Once I carried a pack every where, I try to carry the least amount of ‘stuff’ I need now. However, a windy day or when I might be shooting extra long a monopod comes in handy. I had one this day.

Mixing Colors, Snowy And Spoonbill
Mixing Colors, Snowy And Spoonbill

This was not a particularly long shot, but I caught the right moments because I was prefocused and didn’t have to hold up heavy gear.

Mixing Colors, Snowy And Spoonbill
Mixing Colors, Snowy And Spoonbill

A slight adjustment with the focus button and I captured a landing Egret not planned for at all.

Mixing Colors, Snowy And Spoonbill
Mixing Colors, Snowy And Spoonbill

So…I shot at 10 frames a second, was prefocused and balanced on a monopod, and had a quality long lens. Sorry purists, gear does matter.

Birds, Marsh, Shore Bird, Spoonbill, Swamp, What I Saw, Wildlife

Spoonbill Making Trouble

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I have written before how the Spoonbill love to climb around on branches. The can’t help themselves and always want the highest spot.

Spoonbill Making Trouble
Spoonbill Making Trouble
Spoonbill Making Trouble
Spoonbill Making Trouble

Well sorry, it was occupied by a Cormorant.

Spoonbill Making Trouble

Roseate Spoonbills may bite each other a little, but in general they don’t fight much. Cormorants, they do.

Spoonbill Making Trouble
Spoonbill Making Trouble
Spoonbill Making Trouble
Spoonbill Making Trouble

The Cormorant hissed right back at the Spoonbill in a clear warning.

Spoonbill Making Trouble
Spoonbill Making Trouble

Once he warned the pink bird he went about his business of scratching. The Spoonbill did not impress him at all.

Spoonbill Making Trouble
Spoonbill Making Trouble

Eventually the ‘tough guy’ climbed around in the other direction.

 

Birds, Ocean Shore, Shore Bird, Spoonbill, Wildlife

Roseate Spoonbill Joining The Bowl (Group)

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The Spoonbill around Tarpon Bay seemed to travel alone, not in a group as they do in the Lowcountry.

Roseate Spoonbill Joining The Bowl (Group)
Roseate Spoonbill Joining The Bowl (Group)

Once I noticed this it was easier to watch a few come in and pick a good spot hoping for more to follow. And they did.

Roseate Spoonbill Joining The Bowl (Group)
Roseate Spoonbill Joining The Bowl (Group)

A group of Spoonbill is called a ‘bowl’, not a flock. Clever.

Roseate Spoonbill Joining The Bowl (Group)
Roseate Spoonbill Joining The Bowl (Group)

Below is a second bird that came in a short time later. I took a different angle, the sun had changed, but the landing path was the same.

Roseate Spoonbill Joining The Bowl (Group)
Roseate Spoonbill Joining The Bowl (Group)

Note; the same plan on a following day did not work at all. They came in from all different directions.

Birds, Ocean Shore, Shore Bird, Spoonbill, Wildlife

Arriving Spoonbill

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The opportunity we always hope to get, and rarely do.

Arriving Spoonbill
Arriving Spoonbill
Arriving Spoonbill
Arriving Spoonbill

However, I do admit to a little setup here. I had watched several Spoonbills approach patterns before these.

Arriving Spoonbill
Arriving Spoonbill
Arriving Spoonbill
Arriving Spoonbill

It ended with a nice soft finish.

Arriving Spoonbill
Arriving Spoonbill

Better yet, none of the others took offense to him landing in the middle.